# Anton Chekhov

## Biography

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, born on January 29, 1860, in Taganrog, Russia, became a celebrated playwright and short story writer, often considered one of the greatest in the history of short fiction. Despite his literary success, he trained as a physician, a profession he considered his "lawful wife" to literature's "mistress." He began writing humorous sketches to support his family while attending medical school in Moscow. His early works quickly established him as a keen observer of Russian life.

Chekhov's plays, including The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard, are foundational to modern theater, challenging actors and audiences with their nuanced portrayals of human emotion and "submerged life." His innovative approach to the short story also left a lasting impact on the genre. He wrote extensively about the lives of ordinary people, often exploring themes of societal change, disillusionment, and the search for meaning. Chekhov passed away on July 15, 1904, at the age of 44, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to be performed and read worldwide.

## Books

- [Plays by Anton Chekhov, Second Series](https://samolit.com/books/96205)
- [The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories](https://samolit.com/books/96081)
- [Uncle Vanya: Scenes from Country Life in Four Acts](https://samolit.com/books/96025)
- [The Sea-Gull](https://samolit.com/books/95952)